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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Raoul J. Archambault (MCSN: 0-19947), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Assault Platoon Leader attached to the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 and 15 December 1943. Fearlessly leading his platoon through dense jungle terrain and continuous enemy fire in an effort to gain a strongly fortified hostile position on 12 December, Second Lieutenant Archambault courageously directed the activities of his men as they pressed forward and, when forced to withdraw in the face of enfilade and frontal fire, personally crawled to within a few feet of enemy lines, firing rifle grenades in an effort to attract the fire from the wounded to himself and making it possible for a rescue party to reach and evacuate casualties. Leading his men in a flanking movement against his objective on 15 December, he again exposed himself to a constant hail of enemy machine gun fire, covering the organized withdrawal of his platoon, and remained in the area until all the injured had been removed to a place of safety. Second Lieutenant Archambault’s courageous initiative, daring aggressiveness and great personal valor in voluntarily risking his life for others throughout these perilous engagements contributed to the saving of many men who otherwise might have perished. His extremely heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1945
    SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 54920-45

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Raoul J. Archambault (MCSN: 0-19947), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Acting Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on 23 February 1945. Assuming command after his company sustained heavy casualties and was badly disorganized, First Lieutenant Archambault quickly reorganized the company and, personally leading his men in furious hand-to-hand fighting while under hostile frontal, flanking and enfilade fire, succeeded in seizing a strongly fortified Japanese hill position. Counterattacked and driven from the hill three times, he repeatedly led his men against the enemy and finally regained the position and effectively defended it throughout the night, although all other company officers had become casualties. By his courageous leadership, tactical skill and gallant fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Archambault was directly instrumental in making possible a break-through of the enemy’s main line of defense, thereby contributing materially to the success of the Iwo Jima campaign. First Lieutenant Archambault’s devotion to duty throughout this action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Forces.